Apparatus and method for retrofitting a body of water with an area of lower depth

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method are provided for retrofitting a body of water with an area of lower depth. A depth reducing support structure, which includes a platform and a platform support, is provided to allow swimmers to sit or stand above the water surface of a body of water after swimming in an area of higher depth. The depth reducing support structure is submerged in a body of water, such as a swimming pool, but is separate from the structure defining the limits of the body of water and, therefore, is moveable relative thereto.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to accessories to be used in bodies of water. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for retrofitting a body of water, such as a swimming pool, with an area of lower depth.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Swimming pools and other bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes, streams, rivers or oceans, usually contain an area of deeper water that makes it difficult for a swimmer to stand on the bottom surface while simultaneously keeping their heads above the water surface. This can be problematic if the swimmer needs to rest after a period of strenuous swimming, especially if the swimmer is a child.

One method that exists to attempt to solve this problem is the attachment of a platform onto a side wall of a swimming pool that extends outwardly so that a swimmer can sit on it and rest. This can be inconvenient in larger pools or bodies of water because not all bodies of water have side walls. For those bodies of water that do have side walls, the area of water may be too large and may require the swimmer to exert extra energy just to get to the attached platform. There are size and expense issues with a large apparatus like this as well. The platforms may simply be too large for the swimming pool or body of water.

Another existing method is a floating platform or a blow up raft. These are platforms or blow up devices that float along the top of the water surface. While these methods are effective in that they provide a place for a swimmer to rest, there is also the inconvenience of the floating platform or raft floating away so that it is too far from the swimmer. This problem occurs because these platforms and rafts are freestanding and do not have a stabilization system set in place.

In certain instances, portable structures such as outdoor chairs and barrels may be introduced into a body of water to provide a temporary support for a single swimmer.

SUMMARY

An apparatus and method are provided for retrofitting a body of water with an area of lower depth. A depth reducing support structure, which includes a platform and a platform support, is provided to allow swimmers to sit or stand above the water surface of a body of water after swimming in an area of higher depth. The depth reducing support structure is submerged in a body of water, such as a swimming pool, but is separate from the structure defining the limits of the body of water and, therefore, is moveable relative thereto.

One or more of the embodiments of the present invention includes a combination, comprising a swimming pool, comprising a wall, a quantity of water contained in the swimming pool and forming a water surface above the wall, the water having a depth between the wall and the water surface; and a non-buoyant, depth reducing support structure for reducing the depth in the swimming pool, the depth reducing support structure discrete from the swimming pool and moveable relative to the wall, the depth reducing support structure comprising a first platform sized to support a plurality of swimmers, a platform support supporting the first platform above the wall, and a plurality of seatbacks extending from the first platform, whereby each of the plurality of seatbacks forms an individual seating location with the first platform.

In one form thereof, the present invention includes a combination, comprising a body of water, comprising a wall, a quantity of water contained in the body of water and forming a water surface above the wall, the water having a depth between the wall and the water surface; and a non-buoyant, depth reducing support structure for reducing the depth in the body of water, the depth reducing support structure discrete from the body of water and moveable relative to the wall, the depth reducing support structure comprising a first platform sized to support a plurality of swimmers, a platform support supporting the first platform above the wall, and a plurality of seatbacks extending from the first platform, whereby each of the plurality of seatbacks forms an individual seating location with the first platform.

In another form thereof, the present invention includes a method for retrofitting a body of water with an area of lower depth, the body of water formed by a wall, and a quantity of water forming a water surface above the wall, the water having a depth between the wall and the water surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a non-buoyant, depth reducing support structure for reducing the depth in the body of water, the depth reducing support structure discrete from the body of water and moveable relative to the wall, the depth reducing support structure comprising a first platform sized to support a plurality of swimmers, a platform support supporting the first platform above the wall, and a plurality of seatbacks extending from the first platform, whereby each of the plurality of seatbacks forms an individual seating location with the first platform; submerging the removable depth reducing support structure into the body of water; and positioning the removable depth reducing support structure on the wall of the body of water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following descriptions of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a depth reducing support structure;

FIG. 2 is plan view of a depth reducing support structure;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a depth reducing support structure completely submerged in a swimming pool;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a depth reducing support structure partially submerged in a swimming pool with the platform surface emerging above the water surface;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the depth reducing support structure from FIG. 4 viewed from above the water surface;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a depth reducing support structure showing a latching system, for connecting weights, in an engaged position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a depth reducing support structure showing the latching system, for connecting weights, in a disengaged position; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a depth reducing support structure and an umbrella accessory.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of depth reducing support structure 10. Depth reducing support structure 10 includes first platform surface 20 which is supported by, and connected to, lower side portions 22. First platform surface 20 also includes a plurality of lower seats 24. Depth reducing support structure 10 also includes second platform surface 30 which is supported by, and connected to, upper side portions 32. Second platform surface 30 includes upper seats 34. First platform surface 20 is also connected to upper side portions 32. The height of upper side portions 32 are sized such that a swimmer can be seated on lower seats 24 of first platform surface 20 with upper side portions 32 acting as seat backs. Depth reducing support structure 10 further includes accessory port 40, which is formed in second platform surface 30. Openings 50 are cut out of lower side portions 22. Each of first platform surface 20, second platform surface 30, lower side portions 22 and upper side portions 32 have a thickness t. Upper seats 34 and lower seats 24 comprise individual areas of sufficient size to accommodate a swimmer seated thereon.

In an exemplary embodiment, depth reducing support structure 10 is a hollow, monolithic structure that is separate from wall 64 of swimming pool 60, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. Being a hollow, monolithic structure allows more than one depth reducing support structure 10 to be stacked on top of another depth reducing support structure 10 for storage. Depth reducing support structure 10 can be made of plastic, fiberglass, or any other suitable non-buoyant material. The term non-buoyant is defined in this application as something that sinks when placed in water. For the purposes of this document, “water” includes salt water, chlorinated water, or any other water that is suitable for a swimmer to swim in. The use of materials such as plastic or fiberglass allows depth reducing support structure 10 to be light weight and easily moveable in relation to wall 64 of swimming pool 60. Openings 50 allow the user to grasp depth reducing support structure for easy transportation and/or repositioning of depth reducing support structure 10 in swimming pool 60. Depth reducing support structure 10 can also be made of materials that are not non-buoyant. If the material of depth reducing support structure 10 is buoyant, it must be altered in order to act as if it were non-buoyant material so that depth reducing support structure 10 will function properly. For example, if depth reducing support structure 10 is made of a material that is buoyant, holes can be drilled or cut into depth reducing support structure 10 which allows water 62 to pass through depth reducing support structure 10 and allows depth reducing support structure 10 to sink. Due to the hollow construction of depth reducing support structure 10, first platform surface 20, upper side portions 22, second platform surface 30, and lower side portions 32 each have a thickness t that may be as little as about 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm, or 3 cm.

Depth reducing support structure 10, in one exemplary embodiment thereof, is made up of two tiers and is in the shape of a hexagon, as seen in FIG. 2. This embodiment provides six lower seats 24 on first platform surface 20 and six upper seats 34 on upper platform 30. Upper seats 34 are part of second platform 30 and are supported by upper side portions 32 that act as seat backs for lower seats 24. In other embodiments, depth reducing support structure 10 can be shaped like a circle, a triangle, a square, a pentagon, a heptagon, an octagon, or any other shape. In an embodiment where depth reducing support structure 10 is shaped like a circle, a single seat back formed by upper portions 34 is defined as a portion of the circular wall with sufficient width to support a swimmer that is sitting on lower seats 24. First platform surface 20 and lower side portions 22 are connected to form a lower hexagonal shape which is positioned below an upper hexagonal shape formed by second platform surface 30 and upper side portions 32. First platform surface 20 and second platform surface 30 make up lower seats 24 and upper seats 34 to allow swimmers to sit or stand on these surfaces. Lower seats 24 and upper seats 34, which are formed on first platform surface 20 and second platform surface 30, respectively, have surface areas large enough to hold a plurality of swimmers that sit or stand on either first platform surface 20 or second platform surface 30. The surface area of first platform 20 may be as little as about 930 cm², 1400 cm², or 1850 cm² (about 1 ft², 1.5 ft², or 2 ft²). The surface area of second platform 30 may be as little as about 930 cm², 1400 cm², or 1850 cm² (about 1 ft², 1.5 ft², or 2 ft²). Second platform surface 30 can also have a surface area sized to seat only one swimmer. When a swimmer sits atop second platform surface 30 on upper seats 34, first platform surface 20 forms a foot rest for a swimmer to put their feet on. Lower seats 24 and upper seats 34, formed by first platform 20 and second platform 30, respectively, are non-slip surfaces. First platform surface 20 and second platform surface 30, and their respective seats, are non-slip because they are textured surfaces. This allows a swimmer to sit or stand on depth reducing support structure 10 without slipping and/or falling off of depth reducing support structure 10 when water 62 is present on first platform surface 20 or second platform surface 30. First platform surface 20 and second platform surface 30 can be made into non-slip surfaces by manufacturing textured patterns into first platform surface 20 and second platform surface 30 or by further attaching rubber, grass carpet, weatherproof outdoor carpet or any other material that would allow first platform surface 20 and second platform surface 30 to be non-slip surfaces. Both techniques may also be implemented to make first platform surface 20 and second platform surface 30 into non-slip surfaces.

Depth reducing support structure 10 is structured so that it will not tip over onto its side while submerged in water 62. However, to prevent depth reducing support structure 10 from sliding relative to wall 64 of swimming pool 60, while positioned perpendicular to wall 64, a stabilization means is instituted. The stabilization means includes the use of weights 55 in conjunction with depth reducing support structure 10. A weight is anything that, when added to or secured to depth reducing support structure 10, makes depth reducing support structure 10 remain substantially in one position relative to wall 64 or to sink in water 62. One method of using and attaching weights 55 to depth reducing support structure 10 is by the use of a latching system, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of depth reducing support structure 10 showing the latching system, for connecting weights, in an engaged position. Depth reducing support structure 10 includes first platform surface 20, lower side portions 22, lower seats 24, second platform surface 30, upper side portions 32, upper seats 34, accessory port 40, latches 51 and weights 55. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of depth reducing support structure 10 showing the latching system, for connecting weights, in a disengaged position. Depth reducing support structure 10 includes first platform surface 20, lower side portions 22, lower seats 24, second platform surface 30, upper side portions 32, upper seats 34, accessory port 40, latches 51, latch engagement pieces 53 and weights 55. Latches 51 are connected to lower side portions 32, or in other embodiments, upper side portions 22. Latch engagement pieces 53 are connected to weights 55. In operation, the latching system operates to attach weights 55 to depth reducing support structure 10. Latch engagement pieces 53 of weights 55 are aligned with latches 51 of lower side portions 22, or, in other embodiments, upper side portions 32. Weights 55 are placed adjacent to lower side portions 22, or upper side portions 32, and latches 51 are engaged with latch engagement pieces 53 to secure weights 55 onto lower side portions 22, or upper side portions 32, of depth reducing support structure 10. Weights 55 can be a single, continuous structure that is latched on to depth reducing support structure 10, or weights 55 can be modular pieces which allow for a more convenient removal process. This modular weight system allows the user to easily insert and remove depth reducing support structure 10 and weights 55 into and out of swimming pool 60 in separate pieces as the user desires.

In another embodiment, weights 55 are inserted and enclosed inside a material (not shown), made of plastic, fiberglass or any other suitable non-buoyant material., which is then placed into openings 50 of depth reducing support structure 10. This enclosure of weights 55 connects to openings 50 of depth reducing support structure 10 by the use of a detent mechanism. This enclosure snaps into place within openings 50 and prevents depth reducing support structure 10 from sliding relative to wall 64 of swimming pool 60, while positioned perpendicular to wall 64.

In a further embodiment, weights 55 are formed as a flexible strip of weights (not shown) which can be inserted through openings 50 to prevent depth reducing support structure 10 from sliding relative to wall 64 of swimming pool 60, while positioned perpendicular to wall 64. The flexible strip of weights is inserted into openings 50 with equal amounts of weight positioned on the outside of lower side portions 22, or upper side portions 32, of depth reducing support structure 10 and on the inside of lower side portions 22, or upper side portions 32, of depth reducing support structure 10. The flexible strip of weights rests on, or can be secured to, lower side portions 22, or upper side portions 32, of depth reducing support structure 10 through openings 50, which will stabilize depth reducing support structure 10 and prevent depth reducing support structure 10 from sliding relative to wall 64 of swimming pool 60, while positioned perpendicular to wall 64.

In an alternative embodiment, depth reducing support structure 10 is comprised of first platform surface 20, lower side portions 22, lower seats 24, accessory port 40, and openings 50. This embodiment forms a single tier of depth reducing support structure 10 resulting in a single platform for a plurality of swimmers to sit or stand. The surface area of first platform surface 20 may be as little as about 930 cm², 1400 cm², or 1850 cm² (about 1 ft, 1.5 ft, or 2 ft²).

In another embodiment, depth reducing support structure 10 accepts interchangeable accessories in accessory port 40, such as an umbrella 90, as seen in FIG. 8. The umbrella is attached via a detent mechanism. This allows umbrella 90 to be placed securely into accessory port 40 of second platform surface 30. In a further embodiment, the user may use accessories with threaded portions on them such that when inserting umbrella 90 into accessory port 40, the user may twist the threaded portion of umbrella 90 into the threaded portion of accessory port 40 of depth reducing support structure 10 so that umbrella 90 is secured to second platform surface 30 of depth reducing support structure 10. Other accessories such as modular tables, drink holders, or any other outdoor accessory can be used with depth reducing support structure 10. Accessory port 40 also allows water 62 to flow through depth reducing support structure 10, which makes submerging depth reducing support structure 10 into swimming pool 60 easier for the user.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate elevational views of depth reducing support structure 10 completely and partially submerged in swimming pool 60, respectively. In FIG. 3, depth reducing support structure 10 is submerged in swimming pool 60 with second platform surface 30 a positioned below water surface 68. In FIG. 4, depth reducing support structure 10 is submerged in swimming pool 60 with second platform surface 30 a emerging above water surface 68. Although depth reducing support structure 10 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 as being positioned in an area of higher depth in swimming pool 60, depth reducing support structure 10 can also be sized for use in swimming pool 60 with an area of lower depth. Depth reducing support structure 10 can also be sized so that second platform surface 30 or 30 a is positioned above or below water surface 68 in a swimming pool with an area of lower depth. For example, depth reducing support structure 10 can be used in swimming pool 60 with a depth of about 1 meter or about 1.5 meters and second platform surface 30 or 30 a can be positioned above or below water surface 68. In FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, second platform surface 30 a is shown as an alternative embodiment and is shaped as a square. FIGS. 3 and 4 each include depth reducing support structure 10 and swimming pool 60. For the purposes of this document, a swimming pool includes in ground and out of ground swimming pools normally used for recreation. Depth reducing support structure 10 includes first platform surface 20, lower side portions 22, second platform surface 30 a, upper side portions 32, accessory port 40, and openings 50. Depth reducing support structure 10 is constructed in the same manner as described above in FIG. 1. Swimming pool 60 includes water 62, wall 64, water surface 68, and distance D, which is the distance from wall 64 to water surface 68. Wall 64 forms the base of swimming pool 60 where water 62 is stored. As a result of water 62 being placed inside the base formed by wall 64, water surface 68 is formed. Water surface 68 is at distance D from wall 64.

In the method for retrofitting swimming pool 60 with an area of lower depth, depth reducing support structure 10 is provided. Depth reducing support structure 10 is a non-buoyant structure for reducing the depth in the body of water. Depth reducing support structure 10 is discrete from the body of water and is moveable relative to wall 64. Depth reducing support structure 10 includes a first platform surface 20 sized to support a plurality of swimmers, lower side portions 22 that support first platform surface 20 above wall 64, and a plurality of seatbacks, formed by upper side portions 32, that extend from first platform surface 20. The plurality of seatbacks formed by upper side portions 32 combined with lower seats 24 form an individual seating location with first platform surface 20. Next, depth reducing support structure 10 is submerged into swimming pool 60. Finally, depth reducing support structure 10 is placed on wall 64 of swimming pool 60. With this method, depth reducing support structure 10 changes the contour of wall 64 of swimming pool 60. During the positioning step, second platform surface 30 a of depth reducing support structure 10 is positioned at a distance of h₁, below water surface 68, as seen in FIG. 3. Thus, the height of depth reducing support structure 10 is equal to distance D from wall 64 to water surface 68 minus distance h₁. This allows the user, i.e., a swimmer, to sit or stand on second platform surface 30 a while still partially submerged in water 62. This is beneficial in that the swimmer can enjoy the heat of the sun while still enjoying the cool of the water 62. This also allows a swimmer to rest after strenuous swimming in an area where wall 64 of swimming pool 60 is too deep for the swimmer to reach. The same is true for any second or third surface and beyond.

In an alternative embodiment, during the positioning step, second platform surface 30 a of depth reducing support structure 10 emerges beyond water surface 68 to a distance of h₂, as seen in FIG. 4. Thus, the height of depth reducing support structure 10 is equal to the distance D from wall 64 to water surface 68 plus distance h₂. FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of second platform surface 30 a of depth reducing support structure 10 from FIG. 4 viewed from above water surface 68. Second platform surface 30 a emerges at a distance h₂ from water surface 68.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. 

1. A combination, comprising: a swimming pool, comprising: a wall; a quantity of water contained in said swimming pool and forming a water surface above said wall, said water having a depth between said wall and said water surface; and a non-buoyant, depth reducing support structure for reducing the depth in said swimming pool, said depth reducing support structure discrete from said swimming pool and moveable relative to said wall, said depth reducing support structure comprising: a first platform sized to support a plurality of swimmers; a platform support supporting said first platform above said wall; and a plurality of seatbacks extending from said first platform, whereby each of said plurality of seatbacks forms an individual seating location with said first platform.
 2. The combination of claim 1, wherein said depth reducing support structure further comprises a second platform secured to said plurality of seatbacks and spaced from said first platform, whereby said first platform forms a foot rest for a swimmer sitting atop said second platform.
 3. The combination of claim 1, wherein each said individual seating location includes a surface area of said first platform approximately equal to 930 square centimeters (one square foot).
 4. The combination of claim 2, wherein said second platform is positioned below said water surface.
 5. The combination of claim 2, wherein said second platform surface is positioned above said water surface.
 6. The combination of claim 1, wherein said depth reducing support structure further comprises stabilization means for stabilizing said depth reducing support structure in said quantity of water contained in said swimming pool.
 7. The combination of claim 6, wherein said stabilization means comprises a weight selectively attachable to said depth reducing support structure, wherein said weight makes said depth reducing support structure remain substantially in one position relative to said wall.
 8. The combination of claim 1, further comprising a weight, said weight being releaseably connectable to said depth reducing support structure.
 9. The combination of claim 1, wherein said depth reducing support structure is hollow.
 10. The combination of claim 1, wherein said depth reducing support structure is a monolithic structure discrete from said swimming pool.
 11. A combination, comprising: a body of water, comprising: a wall; a quantity of water contained in said body of water and forming a water surface above said wall, said water having a depth between said wall and said water surface; and a non-buoyant, depth reducing support structure for reducing the depth in said body of water, said depth reducing support structure discrete from said body of water and moveable relative to said wall, said depth reducing support structure comprising: a first platform sized to support a plurality of swimmers; a platform support supporting said first platform above said wall; and a plurality of seatbacks extending from said first platform, whereby each of said plurality of seatbacks forms an individual seating location with said first platform.
 12. The combination of claim 11, wherein said depth reducing support structure further comprises a second platform secured to said plurality of seatbacks and spaced from said first platform, whereby said first platform forms a foot rest for a swimmer sitting atop said second platform.
 13. The combination of claim 11, wherein each said individual seating location includes a surface area of said first platform approximately equal to 930 square centimeters (one square foot).
 14. The combination of claim 12, wherein said second platform is positioned below said water surface.
 15. The combination of claim 12, wherein said second platform surface is positioned above said water surface.
 16. The combination of claim 11, wherein said depth reducing support structure further comprises stabilization means for stabilizing said depth reducing support structure in said quantity of water contained in said swimming pool.
 17. The combination of claim 16, wherein said stabilization means comprises a weight selectively attachable to said depth reducing support structure, wherein said weight makes said depth reducing support structure remain substantially in one position relative to said wall.
 18. The combination of claim 11, further comprising a weight, said weight being releaseably connectable to said depth reducing support structure.
 19. The combination of claim 11, wherein said depth reducing support structure is hollow.
 20. The combination of claim 11, wherein said depth reducing support structure is a monolithic structure discrete from said swimming pool.
 21. A method for retrofitting a body of water with an area of lower depth, the body of water formed by a wall, and a quantity of water forming a water surface above the wall, the water having a depth between the wall and the water surface, said method comprising: providing a non-buoyant, depth reducing support structure for reducing the depth in the body of water, said depth reducing support structure discrete from the body of water and moveable relative to the wall, said depth reducing support structure comprising: a first platform sized to support a plurality of swimmers; a platform support supporting said first platform above the wall; and a plurality of seatbacks extending from said first platform, whereby each of said plurality of seatbacks forms an individual seating location with said first platform; submerging said removable depth reducing support structure into the body of water; and positioning said removable depth reducing support structure on the wall of the body of water.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein positioning said removable depth reducing support structure includes positioning said second platform below the water surface.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein positioning said removable depth reducing support structure includes positioning said second platform above the water surface. 